New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, announced today that Lt. Gen. Michael J. Basla of Cazenovia has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from New York State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.
Spanning the last half of the Cold War and many years of the Global War on Terrorism, Gen. Basla served on active duty for almost four decades. He was assigned in Germany when the Berlin Wall fell and stationed at the Pentagon on 9/11.
Currently, Gen. Basla is president of the Cazenovia Memorial Association and Cazenovia Lions Club. He has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project and co-hosts an annual appreciation day for wounded warriors, veterans, first responders, and their families at “The Maples” farm and Madison County Distillery, which he owns with his family in Cazenovia.
“I am proud to honor and recognize Gen. Basla and all the other brave men and women who have been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame this year,” Sen. Griffo said. “Gen. Basla accomplished much during his decorated career and has demonstrated remarkable leadership ability during his time in the Air Force and after he retired from active duty. He is a passionate advocate for veterans and their families, a successful small and family business owner, and someone who has made giving back to his community a priority. Gen. Basla is a role model to all of us, and we greatly appreciate his commitment to serving his nation and his neighbors.”
Lt. Gen. Michael J. Basla’s biography details extensive service history:
Lt. Gen Michael J. Basla (retired) is a native of Syracuse, New York who served nearly 36 years on active duty spanning significant historical periods such as the Cold War’s end phase and numerous years within the Global War on Terrorism framework.
Commissioned in 1979 as a distinguished graduate from Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas, he began as a communications officer expanding into command control systems operations across multiple domains including space & cyberspace operations commanding units up to group level.
His joint experience includes Director for C4 Systems roles under Joint Task Force Southwest Asia based out Saudi Arabia supporting UN resolutions against Iraq among others along with key positions across U.S Transportation Command Headquarters U.S Airforce Air Mobility Command & Communications Commands Vice Commander Space Command assisting organizational readiness across various defense capabilities including nuclear space cybersecurity functions globally
As Chief Information Dominance & CIO Office Secretary Of The Airforce Pentagon Washington DC overseeing portfolios worth $17 billion managing cyber-security policies workforce developments network-centric policies information resources management ensuring operational integrity worldwide leading 77k personnel involved within cyber-operations/support frameworks
His major awards include Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal two oak leaf clusters Legion Merit one oak leaf cluster inductee Airforce Cyberspace Support Hall Fame class 2021
Post-retirement activities include serving AFCEA International Executive Board Directors Cyber Committee National Armed Services YMCA Board Honorary Chair Volunteers Ukraine providing humanitarian medical support victims conflict areas residing alongside wife Rebecca ten-year marriage first spouse Barbara buried Arlington National Cemetery together four children Sara Beth Marissa Adam reside within current residence
